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Posted by Jeff Roy at 8:53 PM 0 comments
Labels: News
When it comes to car stereos, the
sound quality of stock systems have come a long way. But there is still some
room for improvement in the sound quality. The build quality of the some of the
components, like the speakers, also has a lot of room for improvement. For
example, many use paper cones in the midbass drivers. Whatever your reason for
upgrading your car’s speakers, Kicker makes some great options. Up for review
is their Kicker 51KSS365.
Features and specs:
Model: 51KSS365
Woofer (in, mm): 6-1/2, 160
Midrange (in, mm): 2-3/4, 70
Tweeter (in, mm): 1, 25
Impedance (Ohms): 4
Rec. Amplifier Power (watts): 15-80
Peak Power (watts): 160
Sensitivity (dB 1w/1m): 91
Frequency Response (Hz): 35-21k
Woofer Mounting Hole Diameter
(in, mm): 4-1/2, 115
Woofer Mounting Depth (in, mm): 1-13/16, 46
Woofer Grilles Included: Yes
The Kicker 51KSS365 came in a
great looking color printed box. Opening the box revealed a well-protected
speaker, held in place by custom cardboard. Materials used in the construction
was mostly metal. Quality of materials used as well as fit and finish was very
good. Also included were the crossovers, various mounting hardware options, and
information card with manual QR code.
As mentioned above, the standard stock speakers that car manufacturers provide, definitely leaves a lot of room for improvement. Most have cheap paper cones. It’s just a matter of time before they fail. And the sound isn’t great either. Many people decide to upgrade their speakers. No matter when you decide to upgrade, Kicker has some great options for you.
Kicker has multiple different
speaker lines. They all are huge improvements in build quality and lifespan,
when compared to the basic factory speakers from the car manufacturer. As you
move up the lines, the quality and sound improves. Their KS line is one of
their upper lines.
I love the design of the 51KSS365.
It not only improves the quality and sound of your speakers in multiple
different ways, it’s also designed for simple installation. The midbass driver
with its steel stamped basket and polypropylene cone and rubber surrounds are
well made for long life, and also provides great sound. True to Kicker’s roots,
it’s also designed to play loud at concert volume levels. With its 3-way
design it provides better sound, more dynamics, and is more efficient.
It's design also provides for an
easy installation with its high sensitivity and minimal needed power. It will
work as a plug and play factory speaker replacement. 15 watts after all is all
that is needed. With its use of factory holes and mounting points, the Kicker 51KSS365
is designed to be plug and play for many GM, Ford, Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge vehicles,
as well as select import vehicles. The plug and play design is assisted by the
slimline in-line crossovers. The metal mounting plates are also a testament to
the quality of the speaker system, that Kicker is doing it right.
Not all factory systems are
equal. Some are basic, some are upgraded. The basic systems are low power, but
optional systems can provide pretty good power. Yet my wife’s Chevy Bolt with its
optional Bose sound system still uses paper coned speakers. With the efficient
nominal 15 watts rating, the Kicker 51KSS365 3-way speaker system will work
great in stock factory systems. But with it’s 80 watts RMS power handling, it
will also work great in the upgraded factory systems. With it’s 80 watts RMS
power handling, they are even a speaker system that you can grow into. If you
want to further upgrade your sound, and really wake up the Kicker 51KSS365’s
for the sound they are capable of, you can add a separate amplifier for them
later.
I’m really excited for the Kicker
51KSS365. They are a thin design, crafted with quality components that is also
well made. And the use of factory holes and mounting points, as well as
slimline crossovers, it’s a simple plug n play for many vehicles. Add to that
its 3-way design, it’s a formula to really improve your vehicle’s sound
quality. Now let’s see how they sound.
AC/DC Back In Black: cymbal was really crisp and clean, with good
resolution of the contact of the stick.
Guitar was nice and raw with good harmonics. Kick drum not only had really good dynamics
and low-end extension, it had surprisingly really good resolution and really
full sound doing so. It revealed how
capable the mid-bass drivers are with pitch definition of the midbass.
Rush Tom Sawyer: vocals were nice and smooth with good texture
of the timbre. Cymbals were really crisp
and clean. Synthesizers had really good
harmonics, as did the guitar. And the
clinic that the drummer provided was a smorgasbord of midbass that again
showcased the dynamics and resolution the midbass drivers can provide.
Nat King Cole L-O-V-E: hi-hat was really crisp and clean with great
resolution of the impact of the stick.
Bass was smooth with really good low-end extension. Violins were very smooth with nice resolution
of the bow across the strings. Piano
sounded pleasantly natural, more so than expected for this price point. Vocals were smoother than a Dove bar, with excellent
resolution of the texture of the timbre.
But as nice as the vocals were, the dynamics and harmonics of the
trumpet almost stole the show.
Soundstage was both wide and deep, better than I expected at this price point. Imaging was also closer than it should have
been at this price point. Tip of the hat
to Kicker!
This was actually a harder review
to do than expected, because I kept getting lost in enjoying the music. I had to keep catching myself, and putting
myself back on task. The speaker system
did a great job with the resolution and dynamics, as just a couple examples of
how 3-way speaker systems can be superior to 2-ways. All three of the drivers held their weight,
and provided great sound across the frequency range. And in Kicker fashion, not only did they
sound great, they sounded great Livin’ Loud!
Kicker has a great product in the
51KSS365 3-way speaker system. While it’s
not perfect, it definitely performs and sounds above its price point. And while it’s a bit different than
traditional aftermarket speaker systems that use a single crossover network for
the entire system, having a crossover for each speaker that is in-line with the
wiring has its advantages. It does make for
an extremely simple upgrade solution to existing stock speaker systems. They are also well made to provide years of
use. Based on its design, features,
quality, and performance, the Kicker 51KSS365 has earned our Editor’s Choice
Award. For more info and complete specs,
check out their website at www.kicker.com.
Posted by Jeff Roy at 1:01 PM 0 comments
When it comes to traveling, we need a place to pack our gear
and to keep it protected. Even if it’s just a weekend, I always have to take my
laptop. But my change of clothes, toiletries, etc. won’t fit in my laptop bag,
so I always bring two bags. But what if it could? Up for review is the Targus
15”-17.3” CityGear Overnight Travel Roller, with $145 MSRP.
Features and specs:
Multi-fit laptop pocket fits laptops 15” to 17.3"
screens
Dedicated pocket for tablet
Patented DOME protection system protects devices from impact
Zipped mesh pockets and compartments for smart organization
Heavy-duty carry handle
Telescoping handle
Color: Black
Style: Roller
Capacity: 25 Liters
Dimensions: 17.55"
x 16.50" x 8.60" (L x W x H)
Weight: 7.18 lbs
Laptop Compartment (W x H):
41.02 cm x 4.19 cm x 28.78 cm
Tablet Compartment: 26.16
cm x 18.161 cm
Warranty: Limited
Lifetime Warranty
The Targus CityGear Overnight Travel Roller came in a basic
brown box. But that wasn’t surprising, it is just a bag. Opening the box was a nice-looking
black bag covered in a clear plastic bag. Materials used in the construction
was mostly fabric, like you find in a lot of bags, with some plastic and metal.
The quality materials used, along with the fit and finish, was very good.
The Targus CityGear Overnight Travel Roller has all the
features needed for a short weekend trip. The larger back compartment is big
enough to hold at least one change of clothes, with padding for personal gear.
The zippers are also lockable, for security of your gear. In front of the
garment compartment is a padded compartment for up to a 17-inch laptop. On the
front is a small padded pocket for a smartphone or small tablet. The large
front pocket is your portable office. There’s a large padded pocket for a large
tablet, pen/pencil holders, and a zippered pocket for smaller items like sticky
notes and paper clips. It really provides everything you need.
The Targus CityGear Overnight Travel Roller is the type of
bag that everyone should have for quick trips. And this one should be on their
short list. Not only is it well made to provide years of use, it’s supported by
Targus’ Lifetime Warranty. Based on its design, features, quality and
performance, the Targus CityGear Overnight Travel Roller has earned our Highly
Recommended Award. For more info, check out their website at www.targus.com.
Posted by Jeff Roy at 10:38 PM 0 comments
Labels: Accessories, Gadgets
ASUS Announces the Chromebook CM14 (CM1402C) This fresh, stylish laptop empowers productivity and fun for a budget-friendly price |
Fremont, California, April 19, 2024 — ASUS today announced a new addition to the ASUS Chromebook family – the 14-inch ASUS Chromebook CM14 (CM1402C). Featuring the highly efficient MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor and an all-day battery life, this dynamic laptop is primed to boost productivity and fuel entertainment. Style and flexibility, elevatedASUS Chromebook CM14 (CM1402C) embodies pure style, packaging a trendy look and feel in an attractive new Gravity Gray colorway. This creates a refined aesthetic and elegance that will fit any environment, be it for study, work, or relaxation. The laptop is also extremely versatile – featuring a 180˚ lay-flat hinge that makes it easy to share visuals and ideas when working with friends, colleagues, or clients.Everyday hygiene is also a high priority for the CM14, with the keyboard, touchpad, and palm rest areas all protected by ASUS Antimicrobial Guard[i] . This factory-applied treatment is scientifically proven to inhibit bacterial growth by up to 99% over a 24-hour period, keeping the laptop cleaner and safer to promote overall wellbeing for the user. The keyboard is also spill-resistant[ii] and can cope with up to 405 cc of water without harm. In other words, minor spillages can be easily drained, cleaned, and dried. Remote experiences, leveled upASUS Chromebook CM14 (CM1402C) has been engineered for the expanding world of hybrid work and study and is therefore equipped with lots of features to help users communicate and stay safe beyond traditional work and learning environments. For example, Face Auto Exposure, or Face AE – a newly-integrated technology that provides fresh, uplifting experiences when taking pictures or video conferencing with the CM14’s integrated webcam – tracks the user’s face and adjusts the light according to the brightness of the environment to ensure clearer, sharper images. An integrated physical privacy shutter is also included, allowing users to cover the webcam for peace of mind.Everyday productivity, boostedPowered by the latest MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor, ASUS Chromebook CM14 (CM1402C) delivers excellent performance for responsive experiences with favorite apps, from productivity tools to entertainment. Combined with the full capabilities of Google Workspace and other productivity apps found on Google Play, the laptop offers access to everything needed to get stuff done in the modern world.Additionally, an energy-efficient design means that the CM14 has the stamina to empower on-the-go productivity up to 15 hours on a single charge[iii] – enough for a full workday and beyond. It’s also primed for connection perfection, with integrated dual-band WiFi 6 to ensure stable signals and superfast speeds that will load online content in the blink of an eye. This desirable connectivity capability is further boosted by exclusive ASUS technologies, including the ASUS WiFi Master for ChromeOS[iv] , to ensure greater speed, stability, and range. The best of ChromeOSASUS Chromebook CM14 (CM1402C) benefits from out-of-the-box access to Google Play, complete with its rich library of apps, games, music, movies, TV, books, and more. The laptop also enables uninterrupted automatic updates [v] and benefits from built-in virus protection, seamlessly keeping users safe, secure, and always up to date.Each purchase of a CM14 carries an offer to redeem a 12-month Google One[vi] subscription. The membership includes 100 GB of cloud storage to use across Google Drive, Gmail, Google Photos, and many other benefits – all in one shareable family plan. Military-grade strengthWith structural reinforcements to boost chassis strength, ASUS Chromebook CM14 (CM1402C) is solidly built to provide durability – meeting the rigorous MIL-STD 810H US military standard[vii] . Additionally, the laptop undergoes stringent in-house testing by ASUS – including panel-pressure, shock and drop tests –to ensure maximal toughness, so there’s no need to worry about everyday knocks and bumps. Sustainability is also embraced, with the inclusion of multiple recycled materials to create a product that is more eco-conscious overall.AVAILABILITY & PRICING ASUS Chromebook CM14 (CM1402C) is now available starting MSRP $299.00 on the ASUS Store and Best Buy. Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.
ASUS USA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asus.n.america/ ASUS USA X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ASUSUSA SPECIFICATIONS[VIII]
### About ASUS ASUS is a global technology leader that provides the world’s most innovative and intuitive devices, components, and solutions to deliver incredible experiences that enhance the lives of people everywhere. With its team of 5,000 in-house R&D experts, ASUS is world-renowned for continuously reimagining today’s technologies for tomorrow, garners more than 11 awards every day for quality, innovation, and design, and is ranked among Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies. [i] The antimicrobial treatment is tested by an independent third-party laboratory according to the ISO 22196 standard (measurement of antimicrobial activity on plastics and other non-porous surfaces), using bacterial cultures that include Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with antimicrobial activity (R) result of R > 2. R = 2 indicates a 99% reduction in bacterial activity compared to an untreated surface. The antimicrobial treatment is registered by the U.S. EPA and authorized under EU BPR. [ii] The ASUS Chromebook CM14 series keyboard is spill-resistant, not waterproof. Water damage is possible if the product is submerged or exposed to large amounts of liquids for long periods of time. ASUS standard limited warranty does not cover problems resulting from accidents such as water damage. To prevent water damage resulting from large spills or other accidents, ASUS recommends turning off the notebook, then tilting the laptop to drain away the excess liquid, wipe it off and let it dry for at least 24 hours. [iii] Based on Chromium OS power Load Test. Battery performance is based on a mix of standby, web browsing and other use. Charging time requires the battery to be at least 5% charged, with the device inactive and using the included charger. Actual battery life depends on usage, specifications, applications, and environment, among other factors. [iv] ASUS Chromebook CM14 series is certified with ASUS WiFi Master for ChromeOS. Devices certified with ASUS WiFi Master for ChromeOS feature WiFi 6 and offer enhanced WiFi stability when USB 3.2 Gen 2 interference is present, allowing users to stream smoothly when they are up to 225 meters away or more from a router. [v] Auto-updates and auto-backup require an internet connection. Chromebook software updates generally arrive every 4-6 weeks but are occasionally delayed to ensure optimal user experience upon rollout. [vi] Google One availability varies according to country. Please check with your local ASUS retailer for details. [vii] The testing regime includes the requirements of military-grade standards and varies depending on device. MIL-STD-810 testing is conducted on selected ASUS products only. Note that the MIL-STD-810 testing helps to ensure the quality of ASUS products but does not indicate a particular fitness for military use. The test is performed under laboratory conditions. Any damage caused by attempts to replicate these test conditions would be considered accidental and would not be covered by the standard ASUS warranty. Additional coverage is available with ASUS Premium Care. [viii] Specifications, content, and product availability are all subject to change without notice and may differ from country to country. Actual performance may vary depending on applications, usage, environment, and other factors. Full specifications are available at http://www.asus.com. |
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Posted by Jeff Roy at 10:52 PM 0 comments
Labels: News